The elite men’s cross country race came down a three-man sprint that saw reigning U23 world champion Burry Stander (RSA/Specialized) beat out second- and third-place finishers Geoff Kabush (CAN/Team Maxxis-Rocky Mountain) and Todd Wells (Durango, Colo./Specialized) at the finish line. About a minute later, Christopher Sauser (SUI/Specialized) crossed the line in fourth while Roel Paulissen (BEL/Cannondale) placed fifth.

Early on in the women’s contest, a group of five set a front pace that the rest of the field couldn’t match. It was Georgia Gould (Ketchum, Idaho/Luna), Lene Byberg (NOR/Specialized), Catharine Pendrel (CAN/Luna), Willow Koerber (Asheville, NC/Subaru-Gary Fisher), and Heather Irmiger (Boulder, Colo./Subaru-Gary Fisher). Toward the end of the final lap, Byberg attacked on a climb, but Gould caught her and counterattacked to take the lead position on the last downhill section. The Luna rider then sprinted in for the win ahead of Byberg. Pendrel, Koerber, and Irmiger were third, fourth, and fifth respectively.

With two of the five Pro XCT events complete, Todd Wells has maintained his lead in the pro men’s standings with 255 points compared to the 250 amassed thus far by his nearest threat, Geoff Kabush. In the pro women’s standings, Georgia Gould and Lene Byberg are now tied for the lead, each with 270 points.